Payson Power Lifters Place Second At Casa Grande Competition

The newly formed seven-member Payson Athletic Club power lifting team hoisted its way to a runner-up finish at the Natural Athletic Strength Association Bench Press competition held last week in Casa Grande.

Finishing second, the team trailed the winning California squad by a mere two points, team coach Kevin Scully said.

Almost 140 lifters from Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas competed in the meet.

The PAC team's best showings was turned in by Scully, a veteran local lifter who competed in the 225-pound Masters (40-50-years) division. Scully bench-pressed 452 pounds, the fourth heaviest lift in the meet.

Also shining for the local team was Reuben Wallach who participated in the 161-pound, Junior division. Wallach set a NASA age/weight record by hoisting 374 points.

Scully and Wallach were the only two seasoned lifters competing for the PAC team.

The remaining squad members were participating in their first-ever NASA meet, Scully said.